Signal generator facilitates head unit tests

February 16, 2016 //
By Christoph Hammerschmidt

MCD Elektronik (Birkenfeld, Germany), has introduced a test signal generator for all tests and measurements related to automotive infotainment systems and head units. The system in particular addresses the needs of end-of-line testing in production environments.

The “Central Generator”, as MCD has baptised the test stand, provides a number of digital RF signals. Besides Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), it generates signals of satellite-based navigation systems such as Global Positioning System (GPS). For international customers, the Central Generator also provides test signals for receivers utilising the Russian Glonass and the Chinese BeiDou satellite navigation systems. For tests of satellite radios, configurable XM multibeam signals can be generated. The functionality includes control and monitoring functions as well as signal level control.

This combination makes it unnecessary to purchase multiple separate signal generators, argues MCD Elektronik, a company focusing on test automation and custom production test solutions. The Central generator also provides the company’s Automatic Function Tester (AFT) and Manual Function Tester (MFT) with signals required by automotive suppliers for end-of-line head unit tests.